Review
Mantis Tri-Rad Folding Adult Tricycle Review: What the Fold Really Buys You
A compact single-speed folding trike with a suspension fork and small wheels. A smart idea for tight storage, with trade-offs worth understanding.
Updated · 4 min read
Short answer
The Mantis Tri-Rad folds to about 35 x 30 x 31 inches, has a suspension fork and a rear basket, and rides on 20-inch wheels. It suits riders who must store or carry a trike in tight spaces on flat routes. It is discontinued, so treat it as a model for what to look for in a folding trike.
Single-speed folding trike
Mantis Tri-Rad Folding Adult Tricycle
A thoughtfully equipped folder for small spaces and flat routes, held back by one gear and small wheels.
Best for
Tight storage and short flat rides
The Tri-Rad's selling point is the fold. The steel frame hinges so the trike collapses to about 35 inches long, 30 wide and 31 deep, which is small enough for a closet, an RV bay or the back of a larger vehicle. A full-size trike simply cannot do that, and for apartment dwellers the fold can be the difference between owning a trike and not.
The small 20 x 1.75 inch wheels change how the trike behaves. They turn tightly, which helps on sidewalks and in driveways, but they also feel every bump, so Mantis added a steel suspension fork to soften the front. That fork takes the edge off rough pavement; it does not make this a gravel or trail machine. Replacement tires in this size are also less common than 24 or 26 inch, so order a spare tube early.
Equipment is sensible: a front V-brake with a parking brake, a large comfort saddle, a chainguard, a front fender, a bell and a rear basket that carries about 40 lb. With only one speed, expect hard work on any real incline. This is a flat-route folder.
Specifications
| Load limit | About 40 lb (rear basket) |
|---|---|
| Wheel size | 20 x 1.75 in |
| Gearing | Single speed |
| Brakes | Front V-brake with parking brake |
| Folding | Folding steel frame; folds to 35 x 30 x 31 in |
| Features | Steel suspension fork, chainguard, front fender, bell |
Specs can change between model years; confirm the exact version before buying.
Strengths
- Folds to 35 x 30 x 31 in
- Suspension fork softens rough pavement
- Parking brake included
- Tight turning with 20-inch wheels
Limitations
- Single speed struggles on hills
- Small wheels feel bumps more
- Uncommon tire size
Consider it if
- Closet, RV or apartment storage
- Short flat errands
- Riders who find big wheels too tall
Skip it if
- Hilly routes
- Rough trails and gravel
What the fold actually does
A fold is only useful if you will use it. The Tri-Rad's folded size of 35 by 30 by 31 inches suits a closet, an RV storage bay, a hatchback with the seats down or an SUV. It is not a trick that fits it into a small sedan trunk.
The practical question is lifting. A steel folding trike is heavy even when compact, so ask who will lift it and how far. If the answer is a flight of stairs, consider whether the fold is really solving your problem.
20-inch wheels: turning versus comfort
Small wheels turn in a smaller circle, which makes a real difference in a driveway or at a sidewalk corner. A big 26-inch trike needs a wide, planned arc where the Tri-Rad just turns.
The flip side is bump response. A smaller wheel drops into every crack, and the suspension fork helps only the front. Keep tire pressure at the sidewall maximum to avoid a sluggish feel, and expect cracked pavement to be firmer than on a bigger trike.
Brakes, parking brake and stopping
A front V-brake with a parking brake is a good basic setup, and the parking brake matters on a trike more than people expect, because a trike parked on a driveway slope can roll. Set it every time you stop.
Since there is one brake doing the work, check the lever reach and pad contact before the first ride, and keep the cable tight. A bike shop can adjust it in minutes.
Comfort, cargo and fit
The wide saddle and adjustable stem let riders set a comfortable upright position, and the low step-through frame makes mounting easy. Small wheels suit shorter riders, but very tall riders should check leg extension before buying.
The rear basket carries roughly 40 lb, enough for a grocery bag or two. Remember that anything heavy sits over the rear axle, so keep it low and slow down in corners.
What to watch for
Test the fold hinge before every ride: it should lock fully and show no play, because a hinge that shifts under a rider is the one real safety concern on a folding trike. Inspect it for cracks or wear if you buy used.
With one gear, plan flat routes. If you have a hill, look at a folding model with gears instead. And since the Tri-Rad is discontinued, source spare tubes for the 20-inch size before you need them.
Alternatives to Consider
- Best folding adult tricycles
Current folding trikes with gears and larger wheel options.
- Folding adult tricycle real-world fit
Honest advice on whether a fold fits your car and storage.
- Best folding electric tricycles
If hills are the problem and you want motor assist.
- Buying a used adult tricycle
What to check on a used folder, especially the hinge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How small does the Mantis Tri-Rad fold?
It folds to about 35 inches long, 30 wide and 31 deep, with the front wheel tucking in. That fits a closet or a larger vehicle but not a small sedan trunk.
Is it available new?
It is discontinued and hard to find new. Look for current folding trikes in our folding guide, or inspect a used one carefully.
Can it handle hills?
Not well. It has a single speed, so a seated rider has no easier gear on a climb. It suits flat routes.
Are 20-inch wheels a problem?
They turn tightly and make a smaller trike, but they feel bumps more and the tire size is less common. Keep a spare tube on hand.
What should I check on a used folding trike?
Fold and lock the hinge several times, look for play or cracks, squeeze the brake, check the parking brake holds and inspect the tires for dry rot.
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